The RSPCA says the collie cross had to be put to sleep on welfare grounds after it was discovered by a shocked member of the public on a frozen path next to Available Car, in Station Road, Castle Donington.

RSPCA inspector Sarah Gardner said the distressed animal was thin, appeared to be blind and had a huge tumour on its back as well as further tumours elsewhere on its body.

She said: "The woman who found him didn’t see him at first as he had been hidden among brambles. She was only alerted to him because she heard a distressed bark. If he hadn’t have made a noise then he may well have never been discovered and could have died there all alone in the cold.

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"I feel that whoever dumped him did so with the intention of leaving him there to die, as he was dumped out of sight. It is heartbreaking to think that someone believes it is acceptable to treat an animal like this.

A gate leading to the path where the dog was found

"He had clearly been suffering. If you have a pet then you are legally responsible for ensuring that they get veterinary treatment when they need it. The last thing a pet-owner should do is abandon the animal and ignore the situation.